Chicken Fried Rice With Broccoli -

Chicken Fried Rice with Broccoli is a quick and easy dish that combines the goodness of Chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables. This meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a simple lunch. Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a healthy and filling option that’s ready in no time!

The Inspiration Behind The Chicken Fried Rice With Broccoli Recipe

This dish is inspired by the classic Chicken fried rice, with a healthy twist by adding broccoli. Broccoli not only adds a burst of colour to the dish but also increases its nutritional value. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that everyone in the family can enjoy.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes
2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold)
1 cup broccoli florets
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ginger (optional)
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until browned and cooked through about 6-8 minutes. Remove the Chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the diced onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble until fully cooked.
Combine the Rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is well combined with the vegetables and eggs.
Add Sauce and Chicken: Stir in the cooked Chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the Chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for an entirely vegetarian dish.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the fried rice for a bit of heat.
Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to increase the nutrition and flavour of the dish.

Cooking Notes

Cold Rice: Using cold, day-old rice is ideal for fried rice, as it prevents the rice from becoming mushy when cooking.
Cook the Chicken Separately: Cooking the Chicken separately ensures it stays juicy and doesn’t release moisture into the rice.
Adjust the Soy Sauce: Depending on your taste and dietary needs, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce to make the dish saltier or milder.

Serving Suggestions

Side Salad: Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens and a light vinaigrette for added crunch.
Dipping Sauce: Pair with a side of sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce for extra flavour.
Garnish: You can also add sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a crunchy texture.

Tips

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 4g

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Fried Rice Recipe

This Chicken Fried Rice recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the flavours, ingredients, and seasoning to suit your preferences. It’s a family-friendly dish that can be served as a main course or paired with other sides like spring rolls or miso soup.

Health Benefits of Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken Fried Rice offers several health benefits:

Protein: Chicken provides high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
Fibre and Vitamins: Vegetables add fibre, vitamins, and minerals to the dish, making it a nutritious option.
Energy: Rice is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Fried Rice

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture. You can also freeze the fried rice for up to 2 months in portion-sized containers.

Pairing Chicken Fried Rice with Drinks and Sides

For a complete meal, consider pairing your Chicken Fried Rice with one of these options:

Iced tea: A refreshing drink that complements the savoury flavours of fried rice.
Light beer: A cold beer is a great accompaniment to the dish.
Spring rolls or dumplings: Serve with crispy spring rolls or steamed dumplings for a fuller meal.
Asian slaw: A tangy slaw with sesame dressing pairs well with the richness of fried rice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fried Rice

To ensure your Chicken Fried Rice turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

Low heat: Cooking on low heat will steam the ingredients instead of frying them, which can result in soggy rice.

Using fresh rice: Fresh rice can be too sticky and cause the fried rice to clump together. Always use day-old rice for the best results.

Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many ingredients at once can prevent them from frying properly. Cook in batches if necessary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the pan.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming soggy?

Use cold rice and avoid overcooking it. The rice should be dry and slightly firm to give it the right texture when frying.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to customize the dish to your liking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can make the Chicken fried rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it in a pan before serving.

Can I use other types of rice besides white rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier option. Keep in mind that brown rice will need a bit more cooking time, so make sure it’s fully cooked before using it in this dish.

How can I make the dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can stir in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to ensure you don’t make it too spicy.

Can I use a different protein instead of Chicken?

Yes, you can substitute Chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times depending on the protein you choose.

What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use vegetable oil instead. The sesame oil adds a nutty flavour, but the dish will still be tasty with a regular oil substitute.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Be sure to check all other ingredients for hidden gluten.

How can I make the dish richer?

To make the dish richer, you can add a splash of coconut milk or stir in a little cream. This will give the fried rice a creamy texture and a smoother taste.

Conclusion

Chicken Fried Rice with Broccoli is a tasty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy days. It’s quick to make, full of flavour, and easy to adjust based on your preferences. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out a variation, this recipe will quickly become a family favourite!